Three Kings Day is back at Disney California Adventure now through Tuesday, January 6. This celebration provides guests with a new opportunity to delight in the cultural experience that is “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!,” a fun and popular event that has run throughout the holiday season with a colorful street party, authentic and merry music, and traditional Mexican foods.
New this year to the Three Kings Day celebration is “The Spirit of Navidad,” a joyful storytelling performance oriented by two bilingual, musical artists. This festive addition will deepen guests’ appreciation of the various Latino traditions celebrated during Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Día de Los Reyes (Three Kings Day). The storytellers will perform interactive musical interludes throughout the spirited celebration. Guests may take photos with sculptures of the Three Kings bearing gifts and enjoy a traditional sweet treat know as Rosca de Reyes. Kids may participate in crafts and make paper crowns with sparkling “jewels.”
Three Kings Day has been celebrated for generation in Mexico, Spain, Latin America and other countries as part of the Christmas story. It commemorates the day the three kings (the magi or “wise men”) followed the star to Bethlehem bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
While at Paradise Gardens, I had a chance to interview Carlos, a representative from the Disneyland Resort. He’ll tell us about what is being offered during the Three Kings Day celebration, including the fun and popular “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” Street Party, a chance to meet the Three Caballeros, and Mickey and Minnie, performances featuring traditional Mariachi, Norteño, and other regional music groups, and much more.
I also had the chance to participate in a cooking demonstration with Chef Toby from Disney California Adventure. In this demonstration, you get to see how buñuelos are made. Buñuelos are a traditional deep-fried sweet treat (usually a flour tortilla) made with cinnamon and sugar. We made some classic Mickey Mouse shaped buñuelos. You can even add fruit and caramel if you choose. I am of Hispanic descent so I grew up eating buñuelos every Christmas. I usually have them with just cinnamon and sugar, but added some strawberries and caramel for an even tastier treat! And in case you are wondering, there is no right or wrong way to make and enjoy a buñuelo.
So be sure to enjoy the Three Kings Day celebration happening now through Tuesday, January 6 at Disney California Adventure. You’ll be glad you did!